Aug 31st, 2008
Accelerating in August? Another Portfolio Review
Did the market’s leveling off in July after several months of freefall translate into a positive August? Let’s take a look at my sample portfolio in August.
The Vanguard Total Stock Market Index (VTSMX), which makes up the majority of my portfolio, was up 1.58% for the month. The Vanguard Total Bond Market Index (VBMFX) was up a meager .3%, but continued to pay its very nice dividend without issues. Finally, the T. Rowe Price International Discovery Fund (PRIDX) was down 3.60%.
All said, this portfolio was up about a percent for the month, which is much better than it’s done in previous months. Bonds are continuing to be the mainstay, now comprising over 29% of the portfolio (it started at about 25%)–years like this are the reason you keep a healthy part of your portfolio in a high quality bond fund!
We’ll keep reviewing my portfolio to see how it does the rest of the year.
